me and eventually nodded. “I believe you, but I still gotta know. It’s okay if you don’t tell the others yet, but why all the secrecy over this?”
Leaning in, I said, “Lucas Storey.” I moved back and witnessed when the name hit Country. His eyes widened, his head swung my way, and then he whistled.
“Saint’s gonna kill you.”
“And that’s why we haven’t said anythin’ yet. We wanted time to ourselves, get to know one another first before the shit hit the fan.”
He chuckled. “Good luck to you, brother.” He held his hand out, and I shook it. He pulled me close and whispered, “Stay strong. People will give you shit, but like I said, I ain’t seen you this happy in a fuckin’ long time. You deserve it, no matter who you’re with. Shit, I’m proud you found your fuckin’ one.”
I nodded, knowing I would take on the fucking world to make sure Lucas stayed at my side and in my life. He dropped my hand and patted my back.
“Baby,” Isla cooed from Country’s other side. Country had been seeing this younger woman for a few weeks. I wasn’t sure if it would last, but he seemed happy to see her.
“Hey, darlin’,” he said, curling his arm around her. “Where’s your girl at?”
“She’s talking with State at the other end of the bar.”
We all looked down there to see State grinning down at a woman who was waving her hand around as she spoke about something. I knew that look because I’d used it the first time I’d listened to Lucas. State found her appealing. She didn’t seem his usual type though. He went for tall and skinny. This woman was shorter and on the plump side.
“You want a drink?” Country asked Isla.
“No, I’m good. I’m driving tonight. It was the only way I could get Courtney here, that I promised I would drive her home, and she could have a few drinks to relax.”
I stood from the stool, and Country’s eye swung to me. “You jettin’?”
“Yeah, Prez. Got some place to be.”
He winked. “Have fun.”
I grinned because I knew I would.
It was another hour, though, before I got away since Tech came to me with a problem at Polished Pussies and Penises. I had to head over there and be backup for some other brothers since a bunch of drunk bachelor party dickheads had arrived.
By the time I got out of there, three pricks would have a few extra bruises to deal with at the wedding. One of them would be the groom, who wouldn’t leave Fantasia, one of our women, alone.
It left me in a crap mood, but I knew Lucas would have me feeling better in seconds. Hell, all I had to do was see his smile, and I’d be better.
I parked my car in the driveway since Saint wouldn’t be there, and Lucas would have Saint’s car in the garage. Lucas didn’t like to drive. He preferred to walk everywhere, but if he had to, he borrowed Saint’s car. He was slowly saving up for his own.
When I reached the front door, I heard noises on the inside. Before I could unlock it, the door swung open, and in it stood Saint.
Fuck.
“Hey, brother, what are you doin’ here?”
“Just dropped by to see you.” As soon as it was out of my mouth, I realized it sounded lame. I only usually came over when Saint had asked because, before Lucas got there, I felt like I didn’t want to intrude on Saint’s time alone or with one of his many women.
“Cool, come on in. I was just runnin’ out to check the car for Lucas’s phone. He’s freakin’ out he can’t find it.”
“I am not. Okay, maybe a little. Hi, Wa—Wreck.” He smiled as he stopped beside his brother. “I’ll go and check the car. You go and see if Mom needs help in the kitchen.”
“Your parents are here? Shit, brother, I’ll come back when it’s not family time.”
“Bullshit, Wreck. Get in here.” He handed the keys to Lucas, who then pushed by me, and I felt his finger graze my hand as he did. “The ’rents are just here for dinner since the aunt had her family over.”
“Saint, it’s family dinner, I’ll see you when I see you at the compound.”
“Brother, Mom always makes enough food to feed an army. Get in here to eat.”
I really didn’t want to meet Lucas’s parents. What if they hated me? What if they judged me to be a bad